New Delhi, Sep 29: In a first such official communication between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Afghanistan and India, the new regime there has written to the government for resumption of flights between the two countries.
The letter, addressed to Director General of Civil Aviation Arun Kumar, has been written by Alhaj Hameedullah Akhunzada, acting minister, Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority. After extending his compliments to the DGCA, Akhunzada writes, “As you are well informed recently, the Kabul Airport was damaged and dysfunctional by American troops before their withdrawal. By technical assistance of our Qatar Brother, the airport became operational once again and a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) in this regard was issued on 6 September, 2021.”
The minister then requested the resumption of flights between India and Afghanistan.
“The intention of this letter is to keep the smooth passenger movement between two countries based on the signed MoU and our National Carriers (Ariana Afghan Airline & Kam Air) aimed to commence their scheduled flights. Therefore, Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority requests you to facilitate their commercial flights,” the letter said.
“The Civil Aviation of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan avails its highest assurance,” Akhunzada further said.
On the subject of flights to Afghanistan, Arindam Bagchi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, said at a press conference, “We have been prioritising the evacuation of our people there and some Afghans too. Currently, of course, the Kabul airport is not operational. So I don’t have an update on more flights. I think we will be able to revisit this issue once Kabul airport is operational.”
Speaking to the media on September 9 on the subject of the resumption of commercial flights between India and Afghanistan, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “Yes, we are taking a longer route currently, as are most international airlines. When things get better, we will be back on the same track.”